MEAT SAUCE -- Spicy Sausage Meat Sauce Recipe

Italian sausage

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Turkey sausage is lower in fat, while ground beef is often more affordable.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be healthier, while crushed tomatoes are often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola is typically cheaper.

Remove the casings from spicy Italian sausages.

Break apart the sausages in a large skillet over medium heat until they get some color.

Add lean ground beef and continue breaking it into smaller pieces while keeping the heat high.

Once the meat is cooked and caramelized, add finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and chopped red bell pepper; stir to combine.

Add minced garlic and be careful not to let it burn.

Mix in dried parsley, Italian herb blend, crushed red pepper, and salt.

Pour in dry white wine and chicken broth; stir and let it cook down.

Add half and half (or heavy cream) to deepen the flavors and continue stirring.

Stir in tomato paste, then add chopped canned tomatoes and their juice, along with tomato sauce; mix well.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Turn the heat down, cover, and let it simmer for at least an hour, preferably two to three hours.

Portion out some sauce into a sauté pan and finish cooking the paperell pasta in the sauce.

Toss the pasta in the sauce, then serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens